Fuming Ronaldo’s career prolonged by teammate’s late heroics

Is this the last dance?

Apparently so, according to Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro.

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The Portuguese great became the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup knockout match as Portugal went head-to-head with Croatia in the Round of 32 on Friday (AEST).

He also scored from the penalty spot before being reacting angrily when he was replaced as the Portuguese booked their spot in the final 16 with a 2-1 win, a victory punctuated by 18 minutes of added time which led to a Croatia equaliser which was eventually called offside.

Before Portugal’s showdown in Toronto, Aveiro told Sport TV: “Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s ending soon. The info I have, from a reliable source… this is his last dance.

“I believe it’s not today that they’ll say goodbye, but it’s coming soon. I strongly believe this is the farewell.

“So enjoy it a lot because it will be difficult to find someone after 200 goals. I’m talking about the Portuguese national team.”

Aveiro added: “For intelligent people, those who like football, they have to like Ronaldo. They’re the ones who lose out.

“He’s been dominating for over 20 years. Look where we are, the Aveiro family… and where we come from. Look at the suffering my mother went through…

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“Do you think the criticism is going to affect our happiness? Never!”

The 41-year-old was fuming as he was subbed off the ground with about 10 minutes to go with the scores locked at 1-1.

Luckily for Ronaldo, a 94th minute goal by a different substitute, Goncalo Ramos, assured his World Cup career continues for at least one more game.

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Perhaps, the frustration stemmed from knowing this is his last World Cup and the team could’ve been headed for a penalty shootout without their captain and top goalscorer.

“Could this be the last time we see him at a FIFA World Cup in a Portugal shirt?” commentator Tony Husband said.

“He scores tonight he leaves the field with 10 minutes to play. He leaves a lasting mark on this game and of course at some point in the future, a lasting legacy on Portuguese football.”

That legacy will last a little longer as Portugal faces Spain next round.

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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored three goals at this World Cup – becoming Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer in the history of the tournament.

The goal against Croatia was the first time Ronaldo had scored in a World Cup knockout match.

He missed the back of the net in his eight previous knockout fixtures.

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